Here is my list of the best things to do in Vermont! My name is Meghan and I’m a New England travel blogger hoping you’ll fall in love with Vermont as much as I did while living there for 4 years. You can use the guide below to help you plan your next Vermont getaway!
Table of Contents
Vermont Hotels
Start your Vermont vacation at one of these top rated hotels & inns.
Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown – Burlington, VT
Hotel Champlain- Burlington, VT
DoubleTree by Hilton – Burlington, VT
Shelburne Farms Inn – Shelburne, VT
The Lodge at Spruce Peak – Stowe, VT (4 star)
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa- Stowe, VT
Woodstock Inn & Resort – Woodstock, VT
Von Trapp Family Lodge – Stowe, VT
Equinox Golf Resort & Spa – Manchester, VT
The Essex Resort – Essex Junction, VT
Mountain Top Inn & Resort -Chittenden, VT
Castle Hill Resort & Spa – Proctorsville, VT
The Pitcher Inn & Wellness Center – Warren, VT
The Mountain Inn at Killington
Twin Farms – Barnard, VT (the only 5 star hotel in VT)
Things To Do In Vermont in the Summer
- Berry Picking: Adams Berry Farm, Sam Mazza’s
- Enjoy the rides and catch a show at the Champlain Valley Fair
- Catch a movie at the Sunset Drive In
- Rent a bike or bring your own on the Burlington Bike Path (the Island Line Trail cuts through Lake Champlain)
- South End Get Down Free Block Party Every Friday in summer starting July 3
- Burlington & Winookski Farmer’s Markets
- Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour, Cabot Store, and Cold Hollow Cider Mill (all in Waterbury)
- Rent a SUP at Burlington Surf Club
- Quechee Hot Air Balloon Festival
- Festival of the Fools in Burlington
- Vermont River Tubing
- Watch the Dragon Boat Festival
- Vermont Wildflower Farm
- Cider Tour: Citizens Brewery, Woodchuck Cidery
- Go see Quechee Gorge
- Catch fireworks on July 3rd in Burlington
Vermont Fall Road Trip Musts
- Go apple picking at an orchard like Shelburne Orchards
- Grab some apple cider & apple cider donuts at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill (close by you’ll also have the Ben & Jerry’s Factory)
- Shop local and grab some high quality flannel at Vermont Flannel Company (or order ahead of time to wear on your fall road trip)
- Get outdoors! Go on a fall foliage hike in one of Vermont State Parks or learn to rock climb with one of the outdoor programs through Petra Cliffs
- Travel to Burlington: Walk Church Street and shop local at spots like Common Deer, go to the farmer’s market, and watch the sunset along the waterfront
- Visit a corn maze
- Champlain Valley Fair
Vermont Tea & Coffee Shops
Vermont Pick Your Own Farms
My personal favorites include:
Shelburne Orchards – Shelburne, VT
Adam’s Berry Farm Charlotte, VT
Vermont Hikes
Walking Paths: The Intervale, Colchester Pond, Bulington Bike Path, Indian Brook Park Reserve, Niquette Bay State Park, Shelburne Farms
Easy Hikes: Mt. Philo, Snake Mountain, Stowe Pinnacle
Moderate Hikes: Mt. Hunger, Mt. Abraham
Difficult Hikes: Mt. Mansfield (personal favorite is Sunset Ridge), Camel’s Hump
Vermont Bike Paths
Burlington Bike Path
Stowe Recreation Path
For experienced mountain bikers you can check out the Northeast Kingdom: Kingdom Trails in East Burke, VT
Where to go Mountain Biking in Vermont
Kingdom Trails
You can find trails for adaptive riding here.
Leave No Trace Principles
One of the special parts of Vermont is it’s natural beauty. Do your part while visiting the Green Mountain state and follow the leave no trace principles:
- Plan Ahead & Prepare
- Travel & Camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
Vermont’s Top Spots for Live Music, Comedy, and Theatre
Theatre: Flynn Center, Northern Stage,
Comedy & Improv: Vermont Comedy Club
Music Venues: Radio Bean (intimate), Higher Ground (typical concert venue)
Vermont Drive In
Kids Activities Near Burlington VT
Where To Go Swimming in Vermont
North Beach
Oakledge Park
Sandbar State Park
Bolton Potholes
Warren Falls
Lake Willoughby
Where To Get a Vermont Cremee
If you want a soft serve ice-cream in Vermont it’s called a cremee! They have lots all around Vermont.
Where To Go Skiing & Snowboarding in Vermont
Bolton Ski Resort – Bolton Valley
Smuggler’s Notch – Jeffersonville
Stowe Ski Resort – Stowe
Mount Snow – West Dover
Killington Ski Resort – Killington
Okemo Mountain Resort – Ludlow
Stratton Mountain Resort – Stratton
Favorite Vermont Brands & Shops
I am a huge advocate for shopping local and supporting small businesses as much as I can during my travels. Check out these shops if you’re looking for a great Vermont gift or souvenir!
Outdoor Gear Exchange (it’s like the local REI)
This blog post contains affiliate links so I may earn a commission if you book directly from the links below at no additional cost to you. This is a huge help as I balance being both a full time photographer while also pursuing my musical theatre dreams in NYC – so big thanks in advance! If you are a Vermont business interested in working together on a brand collaborations, you can contact me here.
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